McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Audi News

Audi news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated daily with model reveals, first drives, technology launches and verified performance figures. Our coverage runs across the RS models and the expanding e-tron range, together with the road cars that sit beneath them. Audi is moving quickly on electrification, and we report each development as it is confirmed. Plenty of publications carry performance car news, but few carry it beside live inventory. Many of the Audis covered here appear on the duPont REGISTRY marketplace, so a review and a genuine asking price sit together. That combination is difficult to find anywhere else in luxury car news. For Audi news today, begin with the stories below.

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 07, 2023

Hoonigan Announces Its Final Ken Block Video: Electrikhana 2

Ken Block’s incredible stunt show is back one last time. There’s no debate that Ken Block was a legend in the automotive world. His rally career, unique sense of style, and his undeniable talent for off-road driving and executing awe-inspiring stunts was nothing short of mythical. However, his untimely passing on January 2 of this year cut short an incredible era of enthusiasts witnessing his creativity, talent, and his showcasing of the greatest in automotive engineering, most prominently the world-famous Gymkhana series of videos, in which behind the wheel of iconic performance machines, Block pulled off unthinkable and seemingly impossible tricks. However, Gymkhana isn’t over just yet. With a new trailer, Hoonigan has announced the final return of Ken Block’s series in the form of Electrikhana 2. Known for spurring change in automotive culture and sending shockwaves through the car enthusiast world, the announcement of Ken Block’s final Gymkhana is sure to drum up excitement. Taking place in Mexico City, Ken Block's Audi S1 Hoonitron takes on the bullfighting ring, airport, and expansive streets and highways are a sharp contrast from the first Electrikhana’s setting of the nighttime Las Vegas Strip. Unfortunately, this upcoming Electrikhana 2 would be the last video project that Hoonigan did with Ken Block, and the final Ken Block Gymkhana video is set to be released at long last this December. Fans around the world are surely preparing to experience the epic Gymkahana viewing experience, but more importantly the final instance of Ken Block’s legendary creation as we know it. View All Audis For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 21, 2021

Audi Previews Their Future in Shanghai

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By Andrew Nabors – April 14, 2021

2022 Audi Q4 E-tron Price & Specs Unveiled

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By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2021

Watch An Audi R8 V10 Spyder Six-Speed Shred the Autobahn

Your car can't do this Germany had a great idea to build a network of high-speed highways that are the envy of the world. But what good is having no speed limits without an amazing car? When Audi introduced the R8, the world smiled at the notion of an AWD V8. But as the car evolved, their cousins at Lamborghini insisted they use the V10 from the Gallardo. We've had several Gallardos and R8's in the collection over the past 10 years. The first cars arrived with the R-Tronic automatic. This single-clutch automatic is fun for road racing, and it evolved into the S-Tronic dual-clutch for the 2014 model year. But for those who need 3-pedals, the manual transmission is as rare as a unicorn. Being able to force 10-cylinder power through a gated shifter is a thrill unlike any other, so we're only a tad jealous that our friends in the Netherlands had a chance to let this R8 stretch its legs. You too can experience German precision with Lamborghini power, so click the button below to begin your journey. Browse Audi R8 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 10, 2021

2022 Audi RS E-tron GT & E-tron GT Quattro Unveiled

Yesterday the online reveal was one for the ages, and now we are pleased to announce that the 2022 Audi RS e-tron GT and the e-tron GT quattro have been revealed. First and foremost, Audi wants everyone to know e-tron is always spelled in lower-case but that's a story for another day. The big news is in the details shared by both new cars. The e-tron makes use of an 85 kWh system and All Wheel Drive. Focused on performance, the RS model offers 637 horsepower. While it shares the same 235-horsepower front motor, the inclusion of a brief "overboost" ups the voltage for a few seconds. Reaching 60 mph in 3.1 seconds is no easy task, but it looks effortless with 612 lb-ft of torque at all wheels. The quattro model (base model) is tame by comparison, offering 350 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. By restricting the 800-volt battery it is able to reach 302 miles on a single charge. A 5-minute stop at a DC quick charger will add 62 miles of range in 5 minutes - this is the future we were promised! While it shares inspiration from Porsche, tell us if it can set records at Road Atlanta in the comments below. Audi E-tron For Sale Images (C) Audi USA

By Andrew Nabors – February 09, 2021

Watch The Audi E-Tron GT Debut With Us

We have had a blast behind the wheel of the Audi e-tron SUV, so watch the Audi e-tron GT debut with us. The first electric sedan to wear the four rings was explained by Nico Rosberg, Lucas di Grassi, and Audi's Top Brass this morning. The latest quattro AWD uses permanent magnet motors front and rear. With a combined output of 640 horsepower, it reaches 62 mph in 3.3 seconds. Torque is rated at 612 lb-ft, all the way to 150 mph. Top speed is limited there to keep your batteries fresh for years. Borrowed from their cousins at Porsche, rear-wheel steering and triple-chamber air suspension. Active aerodynamics react to speed and your driving mode, optimizing range or downforce. Power from the motors is also moved to the rear when you need performance, without taking a hit to the 300-mile range. This will be updated as the formal unveiling evolves, so click the button to find your e-tron and tell us why it is one of the Top 10 production cars with the most torque. Audi e-tron For Sale Image (C) Audi A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – February 05, 2021

Nothing Will Beat The 2022 Audi RS3 LMS

Quattro racers drop a boatload of cash converting production cars into track day machines. But now the factory has heard their clams, so nothing will beat the 2022 Audi RS3 LMS. Offering 350 horsepower to all wheels, the sequential transmission leaps to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 165 mph. Their first goal was to comply with all Group A rules, so the Audi Sport team has committed to building at least 5,000 cars this year. Each one will be capped at 2-liters and use an ECM supplied by the sanctioning body. Pulling the best parts from across all VW brands, you will have factory support around the world. Our dealers are ready to order yours, so take a look at these great offers! Audi A3 For Sale Audi S3 For Sale Audi RS3 For Sale Images (C) Audi USA

By Andrew Nabors – February 03, 2021

Audi E-Tron GT Arrives February 9th

A talented team in Neckarsulm is about to shock the world. The Audi e-tron GT arrives on February 9th as the dawn of a new era for the brand. The same workers responsible for every Audi R8 for sale has transitioned to all-electric models. Our dealers have seen unprecedented demand for the e-tron SUV, so the sedan will surely be a show-stopper. Sharing many components with its cousin, the Porsche Taycan's best features will uncourtly be along for the ride. To give us a preview of the plant and its abilities, Luca di Grassi takes us behind the scenes. They are churning out the e-tron SUV and the stylish Sportback as fast as possible so check them out at your local dealer. Production has begun ad this carbon-neutral facility, so we will have all the specs on the new e-tron GT next Monday! Audi e-tron For Sale Image (C) Audi USA

By Andrew Nabors – January 26, 2021

2021 Audi E-tron Lowers CO2 Pollution For The Brand

After carefully analyzing their latest models, the 2021 Audi E-tron has lowered CO2 pollution for the brand. In the latest press release by Audi UK, demand for their electric crossover grew by almost 80% last year. The launch of the Audi E-tron GT further bolstered these gains with a sporty look. They borrow the same Premium Platform Electric chassis that Porsche developed for the new Taycan for sale. Audi's own compact underpinnings will soon be seen on the Q4 E-tron and Q4 E-tron SUV, so you will see them here first. Audi E-tron For Sale Image (C) Audi U.K.

By Andrew Nabors – December 17, 2020

2020 Audi Year-End Recap & 2021 Preview

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